The NBA offseason reached its most deserted point: August. This time of year, we all walk around like Will Smith I Am Legend But instead of looking up people, we’re searching for even the tiniest bit of NBA news. While there are still some shoes to drop – with names like Keri IrvingAnd the Kevin DurantAnd the Russell Westbrook And the Donovan Mitchell Still standing in the rumor mill – none of these players will likely be transferred before the start of the season. So with things put at this exact moment, let’s move on to who I think are the top five contenders for the title if the playoffs start today.
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Brow Lift: Suns, Grizzlies
Let’s actually start with two teams who have forged themselves title hope in 2022 who may be on shaky ground after this summer. The suns It seems to be bringing back mostly the same crew from the team that won a 64-game franchise record, Gavel McGee though. The Phoenix’s top five players should remain one of the best units in the league, and Deandre Ayton in particular could be in a better vacuum without ever putting his knots on. Still, the bench is still a question mark here. I wanted to see this team try to bring a stronger backup for Chris Paul After Cam Payne struggled in the playoff, especially given CP’s injury history.
As for the Grizzlies, their regular season can be tough Yaren Jackson Jr. expected to waste a lot of time. Meanwhile, the asking Kyle Anderson And the D. Anthony Melton It robbed the team of some depth. I’m interested to know how much they will get in the tank sometime after the season.
Margin: Sixers
I need to see Improved James Harden Before I’m ready I put Philly on the adult table. The Sixers He had a great vacation, though. PJ Tucker And Milton will bring some much-needed oomph to the supporting cast. And the Tobias Harris He still loomed large as someone who could be moved to find a better fitting piece next to the two stars.
5. Nuggets
Denver was suffering from injuries last season, with Jamal Murray Missing a whole year and Michael Porter Jr. Most of them are missing. Nuggets were thriving in 2021 when they were both healthy, especially after the acquisition of Aaron Gordon. Murray and MPJ should be ready to go by fall, giving Governor MVP Nikola Djokic His best chance of appearing in the finals so far. Extras like wings Kentavius Caldwell Pop And the Bruce Brown Dividends must also be paid here. Nuggets have always needed some extra power on the perimeter defensively, and both can provide more than the team has worked with the past few years. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Murray-KCP-Brown-Gordon-Jokić lineup close out many fourth quarters.
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4. Dollars
You can not ignore the greatness Giannis AntikonmoEven if Milwaukee leaves me out of season, I want more. if Chris Middleton Unhurt during playoffs, the Bucks were likely to make a second straight final. It’s not that simple, of course. Brooke Lopez It will be next April 35, how much is left in the tank? Is there enough depth in the front yard if he takes a step back? He can ask about the same thing Wesley Matthews– Turning 36 in October – and back court. Meanwhile, the big plus was off season Joe Engels, a 35-year-old close to a torn ACL. Milwaukee has a fiercely enviable core with Giannis, Middleton and Giro Holiday. However, I’m not entirely confident about the surrounding pieces. Another wing will go a long way. Giannis is too good to put them down.
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3. Celtics
It’s really simple with Celtics: The best team in the East has added players of very good quality (Malcolm Brogdon and Danilo Galinari) without abandoning any important person from the rotation of the match. Brogdon, if kept healthy, can be a steady offensive force and integrate directly into Boston’s defensive scheme. Gallo gives more versatility to the Celts’ front yard, and his shot will force tough decisions for opposing defenses. also Jason TatumAnd the Jaylyn BrownAnd the Robert Williams III And the Grant Williams Is everyone likely to get a little better? This is the scariest team in the East so far.
2. Warriors
I can’t get Heroes Defense Less than a second, even if losses Gary Payton II And the Otto Porter Jr. will feel. Both were significant contributors during the most recent title run. While Donte Divincenzo And the Jamical Green They are nice choices, they don’t do the same things as the players who left. The front office is betting on Jonathan Kominga, Moses Moody and James Wiseman to take major strides forward. who – which could It happens, and it will make Dubs more dangerous than last season. Klay Thompson She should also look somewhat closer to Klay’s heyday after she’s already back on the court this year.
1. Clippers
On paper – with a heavy emphasis on on paper—This team is sick. Clips seems to have the best combination of shooting and defense in the league, two things that are very important at match time. They also have incredible depth and a playful amount of line-up flexibility. They can play with a more traditional look with Ivica Zubak in the center. Or they can get really young and get really funky. Ty Lue has a plethora of options to beat Kohi Leonard And the Paul Georgewith John WallAnd the Reggie JacksonAnd the Luke KennardAnd the Nicolas BatumAnd the Marcus Morris Sr.And the Norman PowellAnd the Terrence Man And the Robert Covington Literally everything brings something to the table. Sorting the minutes can get you a bit of a hassle, but in the end it’s a good one. Whatever was thrown at Clippers’ fashion, Lue should have an answer for it. In the end, though, it will come down to Kawhi and PG both ready to go through the post-season. If they’re okay, L.A. may be higher than everyone else.
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